Handover Document and User Guide

Phase: Closing | Audience: Client-facing | Project: WEB-2026-01 Corporate Website Development

Understand it first

In simple words: The Handover Document and User Guide gives the client everything they need to own and run the website: what they received, logins, renewal dates, simple how-to guides and support details.

Think of it like: When you buy a new flat, the builder gives you the keys, meter details, warranty cards and a guide to the appliances.

How it connects to other documents

1. Systems and renewals come from the Procurement Plan.
2. Completes deliverable D6 in the SOW.
3. Referenced in the Project Acceptance form.

The sample document

Below is the actual document for project WEB-2026-01. Read the purpose first, then go through each numbered section.

Issued by: [Your Company] Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

Purpose: Everything [Client Name] needs to own and run the website after launch.

1. What you are receiving

1. Live website at [www.clientdomain.com] with 11 pages.
2. Administrator access to the CMS for your marketing team.
3. Hosting, domain and licences registered in your company's name.
4. Training recording and this guide.
5. 14 days of free support until 23 Dec 2026.

2. Systems and access

Note: Change all passwords after handover and never share them by email or chat.

3. Renewals

4. How to publish a blog post

1. Log in at [clientdomain.com]/wp-admin.
2. Go to Posts, then Add New.
3. Enter the title, write or paste the text, and choose a category.
4. Set a featured image (under 300 KB; landscape).
5. Fill in the SEO title and description in the SEO box below the editor.
6. Click Publish.

5. How to edit a page or add a job

1. Go to Pages (or Jobs for Careers) and open the item.
2. Click the text or image block you want to change.
3. Edit, then click Update. The change is live immediately.

6. Do's and don'ts

1. Do compress images before uploading.
2. Do check the site on a phone after big changes.
3. Don't install new plugins or update themes without a backup; ask us if unsure.
4. Don't change the layout blocks marked as locked; they keep the design consistent.

7. Support

Until 23 Dec 2026, report problems to [PM email] with a screenshot. Critical issues are fixed the same day. After that, support is available through an annual maintenance contract (₹72,000 a year) or at ₹1,200 per hour.

WEB-2026-01/HOD · v1.0 · Client-facing. Bracketed items such as [Client Name] are placeholders.

Key takeaways

1. Write for a non-technical reader.
2. Include renewal dates and costs.
3. Tell the client to change passwords after handover.

Common mistakes to avoid

1. Handing over passwords by email.
2. Only a verbal handover with no document.
3. Forgetting what happens after free support ends.

Next lesson: 37. Project Acceptance / Closure Sign-off